How To Plan Your Healthy 4th of July Weekend

June 28, 2016

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Title: How To Plan Your Healthy 4th of July Weekend URL: https://www.dherbs.com/articles/how-to-plan-your-healthy-4th-of-july-weekend/

The 4th of July is a day for watching fireworks, grilling, and socializing, while celebrating our country’s history. Oh, who are we kidding? It’s a holiday that’s all about eating! Everyone gets together to eat, cook, bake, and showcase recipes that take your taste buds on a rollercoaster of flavor. Although most people associate this holiday with grilling ribs, steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, and even seafood, you don’t need meat to have a great 4th. You can actually have an incredibly healthy day with vegan dishes.

Let’s take a look at some facts. On average, Americans consume about 150 million hotdogs and buy about 700 million pounds of chicken and 190 million pounds of red meat and pork on the 4th of July weekend. That’s an extreme amount of meat. Aside from the lettuce, tomatoes, and onions that get used as burger toppings, vegetables are not the most popular items for Independence Day shoppers. Americans spend an average of $92 million on chips, $60 million on dip, $70 million on buns, $203 million on condiments, $341 million on beer, $86 million on cheese, and $167 million on watermelons. These prices vary from year to year.

Steering clear of meat this Independence Day may seem like breaking tradition. Is that such a bad thing, though? Maybe a vegan 4th of July is a great kick-start to begin eating more plant-based foods. Eating meat is an easy habit that can be broken because there are many vegan alternatives that are nutritious and can absorb delicious flavors. Grilled vegetable shish kabobs with pineapple anyone? Baked cauliflower tossed in Buffalo sauce?

Most people eat meat because it is what has been taught to them and that there is no other way to eat. Additionally, people think that eating healthy is more expensive. This is a common misconception. Fruits and vegetables are readily available and don’t contaminate your body like meat does. Meat contains various drugs, synthetic hormones, increases the risk of developing diseases, can cause colon cancer, leads to high cholesterol, and is hard on digestion. While some fruits and vegetables are grown with pesticides or genetically modified organisms, organic produce is readily available at many grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

So the big question is: What will I cook this 4th of July if I don’t cook meat? You want to know a big secret? Every day is a holiday when you eat plant-based foods, because you are celebrating a healthy lifestyle. There are many vegan options that will make you change your views about what you can do with food.

And don’t forget about the dips! Guacamole, salsa, bean dip, hummus, and many other dips are mostly all vegan. Make some kale chips or get some organic blue corn tortilla chips from the store and get to dipping! Dips are some of the most important dishes at a 4th of July potluck, so check our dips section to make sure you bring bold flavors to wherever you go.

We can’t forget about dessert! Dessert is the palate cleanser you need just before the fireworks get started. Didn’t think that vegans got down with dessert? Oh, vegans know how to make a damn tasty dessert. Just take a look at our raw vegan ice cream, which is great for those on a cleanse, or try a sweet potato ice cream with a coconut milk whipped cream. See, having a vegan 4th of July is a whole lot easier than you thought, and healthier too!

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Related Questions

Q: How often should one eat cook food? I'm a vegan, I do not consume any meat, seafood, milk what so ever. I eat water cresses like everyday so as cook food. Like white rice with black bean sauce, spinach, and pasta at time's I'll eat some Chinese fried rice, veggie roll, steamed vegetables, any advice?

A:

You can eat cooked food as much as you like. However, try to incorporate as many nutrient-dense raw foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds, into your diet to make sure you are receiving an adequate amount of nutrients.

Q: Hetep, I've been a vegetarian for about two year's now, have not consume any meat since, but recently I begin eating shrimp, I don't drink milk, eat cheese, fish. I want to be like a vegan but, is it an issue with me eating the shrimp, and another thing I smoke weed heavy, is the smoking affecting my vegetarian diet.

Q: What do you tell someone that believes that eating meat is better than eating products not made of meat such as wheat pasta, brown rice, etc. My wife eats way too much meat, and she always says that she needs it for the protein. She doesn't work out or exercise regularly so I see it as just an excuse to continue the same old behavior. She's 5'6" and 205lbs and I think she should weigh 140 - 145 max. She's 43 years old and suffers from high blood pressure and swelling in the legs.

Q: Hey wassup Dherbs.com, I got a question about when people try to say they clean the meat with vinegar and citruses before they cook it. What does "cleaning" the meat have to do with the pesticides, worms, and other harmful things added to the meat? I read from your articles that the worms have a shell that forms in very high temperatures so it doesn't kill them.

A:

You can't clean meat, Beloved. Period! Folks are doing something just to be doing something! All meat is corrupted and toxic! Period!

Q: Hi it's me again. I just read what you said about meat and what I don't understand is if meat was not good for us why in the Bible people eat Lamb. How would you explain back in the Bible times during Abraham and Moses when they use to offer sacrifice and kill a lamb were they cruel and going against God. And those who couldn't afford animals like Lamb would use bird eggs. In the book of Exodus chp. 12: 11,21,27,43,48 and Lev. 23:5 and 12:3, Deut. 16:7and Exodus 34:25 when the death Angel was passing and God told them to kill a Lamb and put the blood on the door post and gave the command for them to roast it. How would you explain that because up until this day the Jews still eat Lamb. Even fish, it was fish that God used to feed the 5000 people. Are you saying I can't eat fish at all. I would like to know some of the things you eat in the place of meat , fish and chicken. I really want to change my eating habit.

A:

All meat consumption came AFTER the Fall of Man (Genesis Chapter 6). Man can eat meat while in a degenerate state but to return back to Eden he/she must go back to plant foods. Also, meat today is
greatly TAINTED unlike meat 4,000 - 6,000 years ago! It's not the same. Jews are not the healthiest people, by the way! Health conscious people are!

Q: Is there such thing as, cleansing too much? From May - July I did a 40 day cleanse. The cleanse was pretty much ridding my diet of refined sugar, flour, alcohol, and animal product for much of the time. I just recently finished the Total Body Cleanse, and will be finishing my series of cleanses with the Total Woman's Cleanse. I personally feel fine, but people keep warning me about over cleansing. Also, bringing up the issue of your body being stripped of the good bacteria (along with the bad). But, I"ve taken probiotic pills (1-2) virtually everyday througout all of my cleanses. Should I be concerned with overcleansing? After this initial year of hard core cleansing, I plan to cleanse maybe once or twice a year. What are you thoughts on probiotics? Like I mentioned, I am taking pills. But I'd like to find foods that provide all that I need so I don't have to take pills.

A:

Many people are concerned about what happens to the beneficial intestinal flora after colonics are performed. Personally, I think many people put too much energy into worrying about something so
inconsequential. If you're really worried about the beneficial intestinal flora after your colonic, you could always take a few capsules of acidophilus (acidophilus bifidus) or a liquid form of
acidophilus (dairy-free, of course). I have never taken an acidophilus product after a colonic. I know Nature and my body too well. I know that my body naturally produces everything sold by man in a
bottle, and that is purchased from a health food store, including beneficial flora or bacteria. I simply drink a minimum of 4 ounces of vegetable juice after my colonic sessions. If you're into
carrot juice, carrot juice is just as effective as acidophilus in restoring good bacteria in the intestines. Juiced cantaloupe is even better than carrot juice in restoring the beneficial flora.
Other natural substances that will help the body to repopulate beneficial flora or good bacteria in the intestines include: Blue Green algae, Spirulina, Chlorella, Irish Moss, Kelp, Bladderwrack,
Dulse, Ginger, Cloves, Cayenne, Black Walnut Hull, and Carrot powder. Stop listening to these naysayers and keep doing YOU! You're on the right path!

Q: I am interested in starting the Full Body Detox program. At this time, I would like to know which program is best for me. At current, I have started removing things from my diet as of 2 weeks ago (pork, chicken, red meat, I'm trying with the fish but it's hard!) I am not eating cheese but I still eat yogurt and every now and then I will eat a boiled egg (egg whites). I have removed soda from my diet, no coffee, I drink herbal or green tea, pomegranate juice or orange juice and I drink filtered water (I have a countertop filter that I change every 6 months and the Brita pitcher that I change every 2 months). Along with the supplement, is there an eating plan that you can suggest for me? I am eating more fruits and vegetables, but I would welcome suggestions on certain foods that I can eat while I begin my cleansing.

A:

The Full Body Detox kit comes with a prescribed dietary plan and notifies a person what they can and cannot
eat during the detox.

Q: Can you please write or address an article about, regular supermarket meat vs. halal meat? Point out that there is primarily no difference, based on the article you previously wrote on the dangers of meat. Meat is meat! I am muslim myself, and I don't eat even halal meat.

Q: I've made a lifestyle change about 8 months ago. I excluded all dairy, wheat, grains, gluten, legumes, sugar, oils (except olive oil). I still eat minimum amount of meat (chicken, fish) maybe 2 -3 times/wk. I'm slowly trying to eliminate meat totally as I only use to make my meals more filling. My plan is to do Ozone Therapy midway through the detox program, which also rid the body of toxins.

Q: I completed FULL BODY DETOX and the ANTI-VIRAL CLEANSE AND REGIMEN. I went to get a full STD test including HIV the 1st week in July. My results were normal, but I called the doctor back to make sure herpes was included in the tests she ran and her nurse said I will need to come back in for that additional test. Since I finished the FULL BODY DETOX and ANTI-VIRAL CLEANSE AND REGIMEN I still include fruits/veggies in my daily meals and I moderate other foods, but I totally cut out beef, Pork and I have some chicken, but primarily I will eat fish if I have the urge for meat. Now that I have to go back to get additional test for herpes I am nervous because I thought she covered all std tests the first time and I was happy that everything was normal like my pap smear, blood work, etc. I am really scared? If the results are not what I am looking for what do I need to do? Do I need to do the FULL BODY DETOX again? Or just order the anti-viral kit or just the anti-viral capsules? I am trying to stay positive but doctor visits are not my happiest moments!

A:

Being nervous is a sign of doubt and doubt is the subconscious will to fail. The best thing you could do is think positive and feel secure right now in the moment!

Q: I eat a lot of fruits and, veggies, I don't consume a lot of meat but I'm concern about the raw veggies and fruit lately because I read and article how washing your fruit and veggies isn't helping to clean fecee and other environmental mishaps that plaque out food so what do you recommend is there a organic wash or what?

A:

YES! VEGETABLE & FRUIT WASHES are sold at good health food stores such as Whole Foods Market.

Q: I see also that you recommend a complete diet with these programs. I am guessing its a vegan diet right? I wanted to ask something on that is coconut milk and coconut oils ok for that? I personally had a very hard time trying to eat that many vegetables and many ph balance vegans seem to think fruits aren?t good either. I eat that many vegetables one it tears me up the next day and two I just cant consume enough calories that way. I can try and make up for it by eating things like almonds but I eat to many almonds I get the same problem the next day. Now coconut milk (unsweetened) and a digestive enzyme works for me for picking up extra calories.... but I hear very conflicting information about coconut and its saturated fat content. Is it ok to use daily as a part of the diet for cleansing? And your oxy-drops are those the same as the drop for ph balancing water?? Or is it something different? I am wanting to start lifting weights as I need to put on some muscle and I?m wondering if its something that would be beneficial in combating muscle soreness by increased oxygen in the body.

A:

The diet we recommend is vegan-based, and RAW FOODS. Fresh fruits, vegetables, raw nuts and seeds are ideal.

Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil are excellent products to have in your diet. The healthy fats will keep you fuller.

Oxy-Drops can help balance your electrolytes that need to be replenished after a workout in order to keep your body performing efficiently.

Q: I had plastic Surgery a breast implant on JUNE 23 AND BY JULY 30 -They have to be removed proteases because I got and infection /bacteria called Mica -Fortuitism and the doctor gave me antibiotics name Levoflxacina 500 mg -1 per day, I have been taking them for the last 5 weeks. I was going to start the FULL BODY DETOX, the day that I have to go back for emergency to get my proteases out from both breast. Only one breast got the bacteria but I removed both. I really do not want to keep taking the antibiotic because I get tired and sleeping with. What do you advise me to do?

Q: What's the best way to start on a vegan/raw food diet? I am not sure what to eat to make sure I would get a nutritious diet-you may not be able to go into that much detail but how can I get sample meal plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner incorporating this type of diet-perhaps there is somewhere on the web I find something like this? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

A:

If I do say myself, the best way to start a raw food diet is to be coached by me. I run a 6 month health coaching program that is 60-90 percent raw and 100 percent vegan/gluten free/ allergy free. You can find out more about my program at www.theveganeffect.com. I am running a special of half off my program if you sign up before march 1st.

Here are some other tips to get started.

1: Join a raw food meetup group or community. Surround yourself with supportive people who can point you in the right direction. Try meetup.org or 30bananasaday.com

2: Read books like "beauty detox solution" by snyder, "80/10/10" by Dr. Graham., or "The Paradigm diet" by Adam Dave

3: Start simple with breakfast. Always start your day with a green smoothie. read "Green smoothie revolution" by forget authors name at the moment. heh.

A sample meal plan would be.

Breakfast: Green smoothie

Bridge: raw bar, handful of nuts or seeds, or fruit

Lunch: Raw wraps made from collard greens. use a base of tahini, hummus, or nut butter. Fill with sprouts and colorful veggies

Q: I am just becoming a vegan going on 20 years in June, and it takes a lot of discipline. I was wondering if you knew any good recipes for some good vegan style dishes. I really want to establish a vegan restaurant. I have purchased your Alternative Diet and Lifestyle Manual, and I know its healthier to eat vegan. But, I also understand its not the healthiest due to soy products. Is their still away to satisfy my appetite and well being at the same time?

Q: I had some problems with my Menses this month. Kindly suggest me and please help me out. Last month I had my periods on 2nd of July it ended within 5 days (normally I have periods for 7 days). On 13th of July I had sex with my husband that caused slight bleeding for 2 days. This month I am having clotting (during my menses time) no menses. Doctor gave me a tonic (contraindicatory in pregnancy) to have my periods. Now I?m having my periods properly but when I stopped having my tonic again the clotting starts. Could u please lemme know the probable reasons for this.

A:

Your health situation is called DYSMENORRHEA (dysfunctional menses) which means your hormonal system is impaired. The clotting is a good sign because your uterus is expelling old, toxic waste which would otherwise become cancerous if it was to stay in your body.

The meds(tonic) is bringing the menses back but stopping the beneficial clotting. This is dangerous! You need both the menses and the clotting and doctors cannot help you here. Dherbs has the ideal remedy for you. We recommend that you perform the Full Body Cleanse for 20 days. After the cleanse, perform the Female Cleanse for 20 days. After these two kits, your menses may be normalized without any need for medicine.

Q: I would like to know your views on consumption freshly slaughtered meat or fish cooked but eaten only with red chillies stews and host of spinaches and vegetables, thanks a lot, also I will like to say that your website has been a blessing to me thanks.

A: We encourage a RAW FOODS diet, as eating nutrient-dense raw fruits and vegetables provide an array of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, and phytonutrients that help your body perform optimally.

Q: I've been eating vegan (mostly raw) for nearly 2 years. In the first year, I lost about 60 pounds. I still have about 50 more to lose and it hasn't budged in almost a year. I hear conflicting info about what sort of exercise would be best - cardio vs. strength. And any time I up my exercise, my hunger gets out of control. Any suggestions?

A:

Thanks for the question. The most efficient way to lose weight from working out are high rep/low weight circuit training and through HIIT (high intensity interval training).

Your goal should be to increase metabolism and fat burning potential throughout the day. Both HIIT and circuit weight training are both effective. To be maximized you should exercise for 1 hour 5-6 times a week. You could alternate between cardio days and circuit training days. Here is an example.

Cardio: Doing 1 speed with no resistance cardio. This kills me. Your fat burning potential begins and ends when you do. If it doesn't challenge you it will not change you. Atleast put the resistance on mountain or random.

Weight: Resting too long in between sets. Super sets are key here. Work one set while resting the other. Example of a superset is chest press and seated row together. Quad machine and ham machine. Pullup and shoulder press.

Q: I am on day 4 of the FULL BODY DETOX and was wondering what else can or should I eat besides toss salad and fruits and veggies. I know I can do organic non-salt nuts, steamed veggies, fruits smoothies and wild rice but is theyâ€™re anything I am not suppose to eat besides meat and sweets (sodas)? I have eaten toss salad was it ok that I put cheese on it? I am struggling to find other food options. Please help!!